Blake Shelton Mourns Mel Tillis: ‘I Will Miss Him Terribly’

The late Mel Tillis, who passed away early Sunday morning (Nov. 19), had an indelible effect on country music -- and one modern country star in particular.

Blake Shelton poured out his love and respect for the iconic performer in a series of tweets on social media. He praised his talent and humor, and revealed that Tillis personally helped him through some tough periods in his life.

Heartbreakingly, Shelton also admitted deep regret that he hadn't seen the star in some time, and that he will "miss him terribly."

Tillis, 85, died at Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Fla. The Country Music Hall of Famer had battled intestinal issues ever since he was hospitalized in 2016 after undergoing colon surgery, and he never fully recovered. The suspected cause of death is respiratory failure, according to a press release from his publicist.